Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of obstructive and central sleep apneas overlap, sometimes making the type of sleep apnea more difficult to determine. The most common signs and symptoms of obstructive and central sleep apneas include:

Loud snoring, which is usually more prominent in obstructive sleep apnea

Episodes of breathing cessation during sleep witnessed by another person

When to see a doctor

Consult a medical professional if you experience, or if your partner notices, the following:

Snoring loud enough to disturb the sleep of others or yourself

Shortness of breath, gasping for air or choking that awakens you from sleep

Intermittent pauses in your breathing during sleep

Excessive daytime drowsiness, which may cause you to fall asleep while you're working, watching television or even driving

Many people don't think of snoring as a sign of something potentially serious, and not everyone who has sleep apnea snores. But be sure to talk to your doctor if you experience loud snoring, especially snoring that's punctuated by periods of silence.

Ask your doctor about any sleep problem that leaves you chronically fatigued, sleepy and irritable. Excessive daytime drowsiness (hypersomnia) may be due to sleep apnea or to other disorders, such as narcolepsy.

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